Women with oversized breasts, especially breasts that are disproportionate to their body, know just how heavy they can be. Oversized breasts can cause various physical issues such as neck, back, and shoulder pain.
They can also prevent a person from performing various physical activities. Other issues include rashes in the folds beneath your breasts and even nerve pain. To combat these issues, breast-reduction surgery is ideal.
What Is Breast Reduction?
Breast-reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that has helped people all over the world build a more positive body image and has helped to do away with health complications. The procedure removes excess tissue, including fat and skin, from the breasts, resulting in smaller and lighter breasts.
The procedure may either be one that requires a one-night stay in the hospital or an outpatient procedure depending on your unique conditions. General anesthesia is administered at the start of it, and Dr. Lentz then creates incisions on your breasts.
There are different incision options, including:
• A circle around your areola and another larger circle around it
• A circle around the areola, then a vertical downward incision to meet the breast fold
• A circle around the areola, a vertical downward incision to meet the breast fold, and a curving horizontal incision across the breast fold
Excess breast tissue is removed, as is excess skin. Breast tissue and skin are lifted and reshaped to meet your aesthetic goals.
Since the dimensions of your breasts are being altered, your nipple and areola will also likely need to be repositioned and possibly resized. In case of extremely huge and sagging breasts, the nipple and areola may have to be temporarily removed completely and moved to a new higher position.
What Is Recovery Like?
Since a breast reduction is a major physical change, some downtime is required. You may wear a support bra or an elastic bandage for support during your recovery. Dr. Lentz may place a tiny tube under your skin to drain excess fluid.
It is normal to have mild pain and discomfort during recovery. Prescribed painkillers will be helpful for the first few days after surgery.
You must take at least a week or two to rest and recover before you return to work. You must refrain from strenuous physical activities for at least a month after your surgery.
The results of the surgery are visible right after the procedure, but you will have to wait until swelling diminishes to see your full results. You will need to come in for follow-up appointments.
Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Breast-Reduction Surgery?
If you are above 18 years old and have large breasts that cause pain in your neck, shoulders, or back, along with rashes and irritation in the breast fold, a breast reduction may be perfect. Emotional distress can also be a result of large breasts that are disproportionate to your body, and if you’ve experienced this, you may be right for a breast reduction.
Want to Learn More?
Dr. Carl Lentz, a board-certified plastic surgeon with numerous satisfied patients, will be happy to walk you through the procedure in greater detail during a consultation. Schedule your consultation – contact us today.
